gifts in wills faqs

There are three main types:

1. Residuary gift – a percentage or share of your estate after other gifts and expenses
2. Pecuniary gift – a fixed sum of money (which can be index linked to protect future value)
3. Specific gift – an item such as jewellery, art, or property

Gifts to UK registered charities are exempt from Inheritance Tax (IHT). This means:

1. Any charitable gift is deducted from the value of your estate before tax is calculated
2. If you leave 10% or more of your estate to charity, the overall Inheritance Tax rate may be reduced

Your solicitor can explain how current rules apply to your personal situation.

Inheritance Tax is charged at 40% on estates over the Inheritance Tax threshold. The threshold (known as the nil rate band) is currently set at £325,000. Anything above that may attract tax.

Your executor must settle any tax due before distributing your estate. Your legal adviser can help you understand how the rules apply to you.

You can, but we strongly recommend using a qualified solicitor or Will writing professional. Even small errors can cause complications or invalidate your Will.

If cost is a concern, you may find our free Will-writing service helpful.

Yes. Through our free Will writing partners, you can create a simple Will at no cost:

1. The National Free Wills Network – write your Will in person with a participating solicitor
2. MyIntent  – an online service with expert legal support

Whether you prefer meeting a solicitor in person or completing your Will online, both options make it easy to plan for the future.

There’s no obligation to include a gift to Help for Heroes, but we hope you’ll consider the lasting difference your kindness could make.

Yes. If you already have a Will, you can usually make small changes by adding a codicil. This is a short legal document that updates your wishes. It must be signed and witnessed in the same way as your Will and stored alongside it (but not physically attached).

Because every situation is different, it’s best to speak with a legal professional before making changes.

Example codicil wording your solicitor may use: “I [name and address] declare this to be a codicil dated [date] to amend by existing Will, dated [date of Will]. I give [all/percentage/share/sum/item] to Help for Heroes (RCN1120920/SC044984) of 14 Parkers Close, Downton Business Centre, Salisbury, SP5 3RB to be used for its general and charitable purposes.”

Most supporters leave gifts to our general fund, allowing us to direct help where it’s needed most. If you’d prefer your gift to support a particular area of our work or a specific region, our Legacy Team would be happy to discuss your wishes.

Call 0300 303 9888 Email legacies@helpforheroes.org.uk 

Many people choose to honour a loved one who served in the Armed Forces by leaving a legacy in their name. Whether they were a veteran of WWI, the Blitz, the Falklands, the Gulf, or more recent conflicts, your tribute helps their courage live on by supporting others who need us today.

Yes. Many people use their Will to express their funeral preferences, including whether they’d like flowers or donations to a chosen charity. For families and friends, donating can be a meaningful way to celebrate a life and continue the values of someone they love.

You can include these wishes in your Will or write a separate letter to be stored with it.

Not at all. Some people like to let us know so we can thank them and keep them updated, but the choice is entirely yours. We understand that circumstances can change, and your privacy is important to us.

Your solicitor may find the following helpful:

• For a share of your estate: “I give …. per cent/share/all of my estate to Help for Heroes (RCN1120920/SC044984) of 14 Parkers Close, Downton Business Centre, Salisbury, SP5 3RB to be used for its general and charitable purposes.”
• For a fixed amount: “I give the sum of £…… to Help for Heroes (RCN1120920/SC044984) of 14 Parkers Close, Downton Business Centre, Salisbury, SP5 3RB to be used for its general and charitable purposes.”

Laws around Wills differ across the UK. Our guide to writing a Will in Scotland explains the key differences, and your regional Law Society or government website can provide further detail.

Our free Will‑writing partners operate across the UK, so you can still access support wherever you live.